The newly-launched Franschhoek Wine Tram provides a unique way to explore the historic Franschhoek Wine Valley.  Operating on a hop-on, hop-off basis, the open-side tram and open-air tram-bus takes passengers on scenic trips through the picturesque vineyards, stopping at some of South Africa’s oldest and most illustrious wine estates.

Passengers can look forward to a guided tour through the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, with a narration that focuses on the valley’s wine cultivation and 300 year old history. Hopping on and off as they please, travellers can experience the unparalleled scenery and many activities on offer, including free wine tastings at selected estates.  The six stops include the wine estates of Grande Provence, Rickety Bridge, Dieu Donne, Haute Cabrière, and Chamonix (all of which boast world-class restaurants), as well as the Huguenot Museum. Whether you stop for award-winning wine tasting, a cellar tour, a lunch of gourmet cuisine, or a leisurely stroll through the vineyards, this world-class wine tourism experience is the ultimate way to enjoy the delights of Franschhoek and is poised to become a new icon for the Western Cape. No more searching for designated drivers!

Tram at La Provence (copyright free)

“This project is a success story,” says Franschhoek Wine Tram GM, Duncan Gordon. “The benefits to the local community are already being felt with the creation of 13 full-time jobs with the expectation to further increase that number in the near future. We believe the Franschhoek Wine Tram will give local tourism the boost it needs and create further opportunities in our own community.”

Modelled after the open-sided Brill Trams (circa 1890), the tram was built by South African specialist engineering firm, Prof Engineering. It has a bio-diesel engine and seats 32 passengers on eight benches with six of the benches having flip-over, tram-style seat-backs.

Tickets details

  • Tours operate daily, except on Christmas and New Years.
  • Tickets can be purchased online at www.winetram.co.za or at the Franschhoek Wine Tram ticket office at Bijoux Square, 60 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek.
  • Ticket prices are R150 for adults, R75 for children 5 – 17 years of age, and free of charge for children aged 4 and under.
  • Adult tickets include complimentary wine tastings.
  • Early booking is advised as only a limited number of tickets are available each day.
  • Tickets are valid for departure any time between 10am and 2:40pm. Tours depart every 40 minutes from the ticket office.
  • For more information, contact 021 300 0338, e-mail [email protected], or follow on Facebook.

ticket office (copyright free)

Accommodation in Franschhoek

There’s nothing worse than the thought of driving home after a beautiful day of wine tasting. Franschhoek has a string of excellent accommodation where visitors can enjoy a welcome break with some of the world’s most breath-taking views. Set in a landscape characterised by regal mountains and endless vineyards, Franschhoek is regarded as the “food and wine capital” of South Africa. There is little that you could be left wanting in this exquisite region.

My recommended accommodation is Owner’s Cottage at Grande Provence. This luxurious 5-star B&B is situated on the Grande Provence Estate – one of the featured stops along the tram route. By basing yourself at this exquisite establishment, you can enjoy more time exploring the other stops along the tour before retiring to an opulent room blanketed in a palette of charcoal grey and white linen. Be beckoned by lush lawns, the cool swimming pool, and the tranquil spa pool with its stunning, elevated view of the surrounds. Find out more.

Owner's cottage (TG)

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